Manchin, Markey Discuss Opposition to FDA Nominee Dr. Robert Califf
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) held a press conference today to discuss their opposition to Dr. Robert Califf to become the next Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Senators were joined by leading law enforcement officers and medical and public health leaders in calling for reforms at the FDA to respond to the prescription drug and heroin crisis, including West Virginians Rodney Miller, Executive Director West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (WVSA) and Ronda Eddy, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Day Report Center.
“With 51 Americans dying every day due to an opioid overdose, the FDA now more than ever needs a champion who is committed to changing the way the agency handles opioids,” Senator Manchin said. “The FDA needs new leadership, new focus and a new culture. Dr. Califf’s past involvement with the pharmaceutical industry indicates that he will not be this person. He will not have the impact or leadership capabilities that the nation needs to stem the tide of the opioid crisis. It is for these reasons that I am opposing Dr. Califf’s nomination as the FDA Commissioner.”
To watch a video of the press conference, please click here.
To review a full timeline of Senator Manchin’s efforts to combat prescription drug abuse, please click here.
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